We are still just 11 games into the Premier League season, but it already feels like Arsenal’s title challenge has come off the rails.
Mikel Arteta’s side were hoping it would be third time lucky when they kicked off their campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers in August, but five wins, four draws and two losses later, they sit in fourth place, nine points off leaders Liverpool.
However, while things look somewhat bleak for the North Londoners, a few signings here and there to bolster their attack could help turn things around.
Recent sources indicate that the club may have pinpointed the optimal player to address their goalscoring deficiencies, potentially resulting in unfavorable consequences for Kai Havertz.
Arsenal transfer updates
A recent rumor from Caught Offside indicates that Arsenal has recognized Atalanta player Mateo Retegui as a prospective acquisition for 2025.
The source asserts that Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres is the club’s principal objective; nonetheless, the star striker from Bergamo continues to be of interest.
The positive aspect is that, in contrast to the Swede, the Italian international is expected to be relatively uncomplicated to acquire, as the source indicates that the Serie A club would be willing to transfer the player for approximately €50 million, equivalent to roughly £41 million.
Although the transfer would not be inexpensive, Retegui’s performance this season makes it a worthwhile endeavor, even if it adversely affects Havertz’s playing time.
Comparison between Retegui and Havertz
If Arsenal invests over £40 million on Retegui next year, it is improbable that the intention would be merely to reserve him for sporadic play; Arteta will aim for him to contend for the primary striker position, so positioning him in competition with Havertz.
The former Chelsea player may have joined the Gunners to occupy a midfield position, yet since the midpoint of last season, he has solidified his role as the team’s primary striker. How does he measure up against the player he might be contending with?
The unfavorable news for him is that, regarding the pair’s raw output—the paramount criterion for a striker—it is the Atalanta player who excels.
Despite witnessing David Raya save his penalty in the Champions League earlier this season, the “lethal” 25-year-old, as described by Italian manager Luciano Spalletti, has scored 11 goals and provided three assists, resulting in an average of one goal involvement every 1.21 games.
Furthermore, an analysis of the pair’s fundamental statistics reveals that the San Fernando-born striker significantly surpasses in nearly all pertinent metrics, including non-penalty expected goals plus assists, actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, key passes, and shot and goal-creating actions, all measured per 90 minutes.
Ultimately, Havertz is an indisputably skilled player capable of spearheading a premier club; nevertheless, this season, Retegui has proven to be the significantly more proficient goalscorer, and the disparity is substantial.
Consequently, if Arsenal seeks to reverse their performance in 2025 and rejuvenate their title pursuit this season or the following, they must acquire Atalanta’s prolific striker.